Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal on Wednesday issued arrest warrants for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and other senior security officials over allegations of enforced disappearances under the previous Awami League government, according to local reports. The ICT prosecution filed two formal charges against Hasina and her security adviser, Tarique Ahmed Siddique, accusing them and several others of enforced disappearances and torture at the Task Force for Interrogation Cell and the Joint Interrogation Cell. Among those named are former officials from the Rapid Action Battalion and the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence, as well as Border Guard Bangladesh officer Lt Col Redwan Ahmed, in a separate case involving the Rampura killings.
These actions coincide with ongoing crackdowns on Awami League leaders and supporters under the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government. The ICT has also begun a formal investigation into the Awami League as a political party over alleged crimes against humanity during last year’s July protests. Observers view these moves as part of a broader political campaign against Hasina and her associates, following her removal from office in August 2024.
These actions coincide with ongoing crackdowns on Awami League leaders and supporters under the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government. The ICT has also begun a formal investigation into the Awami League as a political party over alleged crimes against humanity during last year’s July protests. Observers view these moves as part of a broader political campaign against Hasina and her associates, following her removal from office in August 2024.
